Anemia is the most common blood disorders which occur when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. Anemia can be mild, moderate, severe, temporary or long term. The common symptoms of anemia are fatigue, pale skin, cold hands and feet, dizziness and headache. Treatments may involve taking supplements or undergoing medical procedures but you may prevent some types by maintaining a healthy diet.

Causes:

Anemia occurs when there is too much of blood loss from the body, decreased or faulty red blood cell production or destruction of red blood cells in the body. Other causes of anemia are shortage of iron due to iron-poor diet, deficiency of vitamins like vitamin B-12, folate, etc. Women during pregnancy are susceptible to anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy. Certain types of anemia can be inherited or caused by defective hemoglobin.

What you can do?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have prolonged fatigue or any other symptoms which make you feel that you are anemic. Talk to him about ways to conserve energy and reduce fatigue, and also report to him for any changes in the energy level. You should also eat well and take proper sleep during this period.

Before visiting the doctor you can make a note of all the symptoms which you are experiencing and also list out all the medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking. To make most of your appointments you can even make a list of questions which you can ask your doctor. Some common concerns which you would like to know from your doctor are is my anemia temporary or chronic, are there any dietary restrictions which I need to follow, what are the available treatments, what are the other foods which I need to add to my diet, is there any other printed materials or brochures which I can take with me, what websites should I refer, etc.

Prevention:

Anemia can be prevented depending upon its cause. Iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency anemia’s can be prevented by eating a well-balanced diet which includes good sources of iron, vitamin B-12, and folate. Dietary changes or supplements can prevent these types of anemia from occurring again.

You can always approach your doctor about your diet and any possible need for iron supplement pills. Iron pills should always be taken with vitamin C or orange juice to get most of the benefits. You shouldn’t take your iron pills with tea, coffee, as they make it harder for the body to absorb iron, even milk and other calcium-rich foods, high-fiber foods, such as bran, whole grains, nuts, etc. You should always go for food containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, melons and berries, as it help increase iron absorption and select cereals and breads which are iron-fortified.

Most of you might start feeling better within a few days of beginning the treatment but even if you feel better you have to continue taking your medicines to build up your iron stores. You shouldn’t take medicines without consulting your doctor and after taking medicines if you find any side effects like if you feel too sick then talk to him or her immediately.

In case of a family record of an inherited anemia consult your doctor or a genetic counselor about your risk and the possible risks you may pass on to your children.